Suicide Prevention Awareness
September was first declared as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in 2008. Since then, September has been a time to acknowledge those affected by suicide, raise awareness, and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. According to the CDC, each year more than 44,000 individuals die by suicide, leaving behind friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of their loss. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults in the U.S. and the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-24 and these rates are increasing.
The number of suicides in this country averages 123 per day. It is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States - the second leading cause of death for those ages 25-34, and the third leading cause for those ages 15-24. September is Suicide Prevention Month in order to raise awareness and strengthen the fight against suicide. Engage in the fight by working with local organizations and listening to those in need.
Over the last few years, society has become more open and receptive to suicide discussions. Despite this stigma, suicide rates are increasing, which means people are not receiving the right help on time and we still have a long way to go. Suicide is one of the fastest-growing epidemics in the world.
There is a role for each of us in perpetuating the causes of suicide as well as preventing it. Every year, during National Suicide Prevention Month in September, mental health advocates, survivors, friends and family, and mental health organizations across the country and around the world share their experiences and work to eradicate this most tragic act.
People of all ages, genders, and social status can suffer from suicidal thoughts. Suicidal tendencies are commonly linked to depression, but there is no foolproof indicator. Depression or suicidal thoughts are often covered up quite well by people suffering from them. In August 2014, Robin Williams, 63, committed suicide after battling depression for many years.
In 1979, the National Alliance on Mental Illness was founded by family members of individuals diagnosed with mental illness as a support group. It now serves as a resource on this highly taboo subject. Assisting those who are affected by suicide with finding effective treatment services, and educating others about prevention, NAMI helps those who are affected by suicide.
If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately.
Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month —a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. We use this month to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
Throughout the month of September, NAMI will highlight the “Together for Mental Health,” campaign which encourages people to bring their voices together to advocate for better mental health care, including an effective crisis response system. After years of advocacy and preparation, 988 is now available nationwide as the new number to contact for mental health, substance use and suicide crises — a simple, easy-to-remember way for people to get help. This new number will allow people to quickly connect with support during a crisis, 24/7, no matter where they live.
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately.
If you are uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.
You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
Share Key Fast Facts
These are only a few of the reasons why it’s important to take part in promoting Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Please use these facts and others, including the “It’s Okay to Talk About Suicide” infographics on our website, to encourage discussions with your community through social media or other forms of outreach.
Individual Impact:
79% of all people who die by suicide are male.
Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–14 and the 3rd leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 in the U.S.
Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition - but research shows that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.
Community Impact:
Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group:
The highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaska Natives followed by non-Hispanic whites.
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are nearly 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.
Transgender adults are nearly 9x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails.
Data from CDC, NIMH, and other select sources.